In a startling incident in Japan, at least 14 high school students were hospitalized after consuming extra spicy “R 18+” curry-flavored potato chips. The snack, made with the notoriously hot ‘Bhoot Jolokia’ chili pepper from Northeast India, was brought to the school by a student who acquired them from his older brother. During a morning break, approximately 30 students sampled the chips, leading to adverse reactions including pain in the mouth and stomach, though all affected were conscious and treated for minor symptoms.

The snack, known as “R18 Curry Chips,” is produced by Isoyama Corp and comes with explicit warnings against consumption by individuals under 18, those with high blood pressure, or those with sensitive stomachs. The company has issued an apology and expressed wishes for a speedy recovery to the affected students through an online statement and on their website, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to customers and stakeholders.

Isoyama Corp’s website advises against consuming the snack alone, as it could lead to diarrhea. Local media reports highlighted the potency of the ‘Bhoot Jolokia’ or ghost pepper used in the chips, which is at least 200 times spicier than Tabasco sauce. This pepper was listed in the Guinness World Records as the world’s hottest from 2007 to 2011, boasting around 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), vastly surpassing the heat of a typical jalapeño.

Despite the incident, the ghost pepper is known for its high content of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and its benefits to the immune system and skin health. This adds a complex layer to the narrative of the pepper, juxtaposing its health benefits against its extreme spice.

The incident has sparked conversations about the responsibility of both manufacturers and consumers regarding spicy products. Tae Tsutaki, an IT company worker, noted to Reuters that the snack package clearly states it is not suitable for those under 18. “I’m glad nobody died,” Tsutaki remarked, reflecting relief and a call for caution among young consumers in the future.

This event not only raises questions about food safety and labeling but also about the awareness and choices of consumers, especially young ones, in regards to eating highly spicy foods. As this snack continues to be available, consumers are urged to heed the warnings and ensure it is consumed responsibly to avoid similar incidents.

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